Most Americans are using mosquito repellent wrong — and it's a bigger deal than you think

A new Annenberg Science and Public Health survey of 1,904 U.S. adults reveals a striking knowledge gap when it comes to mosquito bite prevention. Despite 80% of respondents knowing that avoiding bites is the best way to prevent mosquito-borne illness, very few actually know how to do it correctly. Experts are calling on the CDC and public health agencies to step up their communication efforts.

The stakes are real: mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus, dengue, chikungunya, and malaria pose growing threats — including in the U.S., where malaria was locally transmitted for the first time in decades in 2023. Experts also note that many everyday fabrics don't block mosquito bites, meaning long sleeves alone aren't reliable protection.

By the Numbers:

• 15% of Americans know not to apply repellent under clothing
• 1 in 3 know to apply sunscreen before repellent and let it dry first
• 18% can correctly identify an EPA-registered repellent
• ~600,000 people die from malaria annually, mostly young children in Africa

Why it matters: Mosquito-borne illnesses are expanding globally, and correct repellent use remains one of the most effective defenses. Clinicians and pharmacists have a key role to play in bridging this knowledge gap at the point of care.